Pico da Neblina

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Pico da Neblina is the tallest mountain in the country of Brazil. The peak measures roughly 9,823 ft (2,994 m) above sea level. The mountain also sits within the Serra da Neblina section of the Guiana Highlands which straddles the border between Venezuela and Brazil.

The peak of the mountain remains shrouded in clouds the majority of the time. The first successful ascent of Pico da Neblina did not occur until 1965. The mountain itself actually forms part of the geology of a much larger massif and represents one of the highest points in South America.

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Pico da Neblina Geology

Pico da Neblina constitutes a part of the Neblina Massif, a large, glaciated tor. It principally consists of sandstone overlying metamorphic rock.

The peak roughly resembles a pyramid and towers over the surrounding terrain. One side of the local massif has a covering of fine hills.

The northern gradient also contains a combination of high walls and deep chasms. Despite the great altitude at the summit, frost, and snow continue to be extremely rare due to the position on the Equator that Pico da Neblina occupies.

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Pico da Neblina Isolation and Endemism

Pico da Neblina has such a remote location, non-natives did not discover it until 1954. Very little authoritative research exists concerning the area.

This is due to a combination of factors. The mountain sits located deep within a national park. Also, the area remains part of the Indigenous Peoples Yanomami territory. Access to the region this stays highly restricted – which is actually a good thing.

To reach the mountain from the outside requires an arduous four-day hike through dense jungle terrain. Further, the difficulties of researching Pico da Neblina include the prevalence of diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and a sickness known as onchocerciasis. In fact, this sickness gets transmitted by a rare species of fly found only in the area around the mountain. How inviting.